Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-02-25
THE GAGE OF BATTLE.

A Bitter Contest Started Between the
Amalgamnted and the Knights Of
Labor.
PITIsBURG, February 24.-The Knights
of Labor and the Amalgamated Association
of Iron and Steel Workers have locked
horns.
The grievances which have existed be-
tween them for months has resulted i'll war.
The fight promises to be one of the most
bitter that was ever started between two of
the most powerful labor organizations in
the country.
The fight which commenced to-day is the
outcome of the trouble at the Laughln &
Junction Steel Company works ut Mingo
Junction. The conference that was held
at Steubenvile last night resulted in the
last vestige of good feeling between the
two organizations being destroyed.
There were present at the conference
liam Martin, G. II. Kaufman, Trustee aud
a member of the District Board, and Vice
President o. Ieary, from the Amalgamated
Association. The Knights of Labor were
represented by Wm. II. Bailey, of the
General Executive Board, 4. G.. Denny,
General Organizer and Mr.. Cavanaugh, n
District officer. The conference ended i'll
a still more bitter feeling, and resulted in
a total suspension of all negotiations be-
tween the two organizations. Each will
now show their strength in a fight which
IS likely to spread to every iron and steel
manufacturing center of the country.
President Weihe and Secretary Martin
raiurned from Steubenville this morning.
When asked about the conference Mr..
Martin said.
'"The Knights of Labor have no PROPOSE
ton to present to US, but the Amalgama-
ted Association made one to them. We
submitted a proposition that we should
have representation on joint mill COM
mittee ut the MingO works. When this
proposition was submitted to Baily he
said he would accept il with one provision.
That was that the Amalgamated people
were not to be known on the committee.
'Ot course we would not accept any
such terms. We are not ashamed of our
name. five are to take hand in any
matter we most certainly will not allow
another labor organization to say that we
are not to beknown rs party interested"
Did the X. of l.. people threaten to
start the mill with new rIen?"
Yes Bailey said that he had telegraph
cd TO different places for new men. He
claimed that he then had a number of
men on the ground ready to 60 to work
when he notified them. But ! don't be-
lievc that any Knight of Labor will start
to work when he learns the true situation
OF affairs. II these new men were to go
work they are nothing more nor less than
blacksheep.'
"Are the Amalgamatcd men at Mingo
united against Bailey 5 threats
The members of the MingO Lodge No
81, held q meeting last night. Bailey and
the other two knights were invited 10 be
present and present their side of the case
to the men. Bailey, however, refused the
invitation, His proviso in regard to our
proposition was submitted 10 the men. By
a rising vote the entire Lodge unanimous
ly decided to reject it. The men we're of
ono voice, that the Knights OF Labor
should not handle our affairs.
''What is Rliley's last move?'
'He told the firm that he would start
ND the works this morning with his men.
To-day the firm sent word to certain other
firms that the works were running. But |
know that they are not in operation. They
NAV have fires started, and a wheel ibaTrow
OF two running, hut Know that the mill
is not 10 operation. know that such re-
ports as were sent ont are false. y
What will he the next move of the
Amalgamated Association
"Mr. Weihe and myselfwill so 10 Miugo
tonight If necessary, we will remain
there night and day. If persuasive
measures can do it, we will keep every
man who goes to Mingo from working.
Such men are blacklegs. Our Association
has yet the first time 10 send for snch a
crowd of men to put TO work.
Several of the MingO employee were In
the city to-day in consultation with the
officers of the Amalgamsted Association.
They have been promised the entire sup
port Of the Association.